Copyright American Press
James “Jimmy” Harold Mitchell, age 74, passed away on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, in Houston, Texas, after a brief yet courageous battle with bile duct cancer. Born on Aug. 3, 1951, in Monroe, La., he was an adored son of Thomas Warren and Elsie Coon Mitchell. Known affectionately to many as “Coach,” Jimmy’s athletic talents, especially in basketball and later in golf, shaped significant chapters of his life and laid the foundation for lifelong friendships and a strong sense of community. Those who played with (or against) him on the West Monroe High School basketball court or in the weekly 2 p.m. game at the Lake Charles Country Club will remember his competitive spirit, fun-loving nature, and boundless generosity. He was magnetic, one of the most enjoyable people to be around in any setting. Jimmy graduated from West Monroe High School in 1970 having earned All-State recognition in both basketball and baseball. He went on to play basketball at Northeast Louisiana University, now University of Louisiana Monroe, earning his bachelor’s degree in history in 1974 and later a master’s degree in education. After several years, teaching and coaching basketball at his beloved high school alma mater, life led him to South Louisiana where he spent 40 years as a successful State Farm Insurance Agent, first in DeRidder and then in Lake Charles. Even so, the coaching spirit never left him; he poured his energy into mentoring and advocating for his employees, associates, family, and all those he loved. More than his professional accomplishments or athletic talents, Jimmy will be remembered for the way he lived with authenticity and heart. He was unapologetically himself, bold, kind, and full of life, and we are all better for having known him. Those left to cherish his memory include his daughters, Jamie Ann Mitchell and Katie Beck Mitchell Heravi; his son-in-law, Neema Kian Heravi; his son, Justin Derek Mitchell; his brother, Dr. Thomas Reagan Mitchell, and his wife, Dr. Linda Marie García Mitchell; his girlfriend of eight years, Mathilda Perez; his sister-in-law, Ann Black Vallette, and her husband, Steve; his sister-in-law, Janet Black, along with numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends who became family. He was preceded in death by his parents; his cherished wife of 33 years, Rebecca “Becky” Black Mitchell; his son, John Thomas “J.T.” Mitchell; his brother-in-law, Steve Black, and his in-laws, Thomas Winfred and Margaret Bourque Black. His funeral will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in the Central Venue of Trinity Baptist Church, 1800 Country Club Rd., with Pastor David Rose presiding. Burial will follow in Mimosa Pines South Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Visitation will be on Saturday at Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles, 4321 Lake Street, from 9:30 a.m. until leaving in procession to the church. Following the funeral, a reception will be held at the Lake Charles Country Club at 3:30 p.m. All are invited. Please consider making a memorial donation to St. Mary’s Residential Training School, 6715 Highway 1, Boyce, LA 71409. Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneral home.net.
